Mall of Mthatha (formerly BT Ngebs Mall) has officially launched, marking the completion of its landmark upgrade under new ownership – Vukile Property Fund and Flanagan & Gerard Property Group.

Since its R800 million acquisition in May 2024, the mall has undergone a R225 million redevelopment – from what was a struggling asset to now a thriving regional hub through re-design, re-tenanting, and new investment in its operational infrastructure and customer experience.

Mall of Mthatha now offers a shopping experience and retail mix that wasn’t previously available anywhere else in the region by introducing a blend of national anchors, fashion favourites, and new-to-market brands.

Since its acquisition, Mall of Mthatha has welcomed Pick n Pay Clothing, Dis-Chem, Burger King, Queenspark, Newscafé, Volpes and Home Choice, which together with the existing Woolworths and Checkers, are all firsts for Mthatha, among numerous other retailers and alongside expansions and upgrades of popular existing stores.

Contemporary high shopfronts and the latest retail concepts create a fresh lighter, brighter, atmosphere in the mall while new restaurants and entertainment concepts have re-energised the mall’s social heart including fun family entertainment at Mthatha’s only Hardhats.

Enhanced vertical circulation, including two new escalators linking parking areas directly to the doors of Woolworths, Checkers and Shoprite anchors, has improved shopper flow.

The mall’s transformation also includes the addition of a new mezzanine level with service-based tenants, as well as modern, welcoming ablution facilities. The addition added some 700m² to the malls GLA, taking it to 60 762m².

The centre now also links more naturally with the adjacent hotel and casino.

Since the change in ownership, as the mall’s redevelopment progressed, vacancies have dropped from 20% to just 1.72% with monthly foot traffic having grown 5% to over 6 million annual visitors.

Retail performance has also surged with its annual turnover between September 2024 and August 2025 having increased 25% year-on-year – with August 2025 alone up 32.4%.

Among the mall’s best-performing retail categories over the past year were homeware and interiors (+66%), restaurants (+40%), fast food (+36%), pharmacy and self-care (+12%) and men’s wear (+12%).